Sujatha Mohan says she feels honoured when daughter Shweta works with AR Rahman; opens up about bond with his mother: ‘She was my godmother’

“I never expected that Shweta would receive invitations from Rahman for stage performances. However, it all materialised through her hard work and talent. Rahman appreciated her singing abilities, and he wouldn’t have extended those invitations just because she is my daughter. Shweta has demonstrated her prowess as a skilled singer,” Sujatha remarked.

Sujatha added that she always sends a gracious message to him each time he entrusts her daughter with a beautiful song. She views these moments as blessings, akin to receiving an award.

Mentioning that she shared a very close bond with AR Rahman’s mother Kareema, Sujatha pointed to a ring on her finger and said that Kareema gifted it to her. “This is my lucky mascot. I was like a family member for her. She was like a godmother to me,” Sujatha added.

Expanding on the enduring impact of their song “Netru Illadha Maatram”, Sujatha shared that it happens to be Rahman’s preferred song among her performances.

She explained, “Following its success, whenever we collaborated on songs with a similar essence, Rahman would request me to infuse the Netru Illadha Maatram feel into them. It became a benchmark of sorts. Subsequently, the younger generation elevated this song to new heights, with many reciting it in various competitions. While not particularly challenging, there was an inexplicable quality in that song that resonated with people.”